The Crown, a pub in the Denbighshire village of Llandegla, received glowing reviews upon its reopening post-pandemic. The pub, run by Mel and Brian Braban, had found a chef named Dai whose culinary creations were impressing customers. With dishes like ‘Welsh paella’ and ‘Sambuca prawns’, the menu was a hit, garnering hundreds of likes on social media. However, the Brabans were unaware of the chef’s true identity: David Carroll, who had changed his name to David James due to a past court case.
David James had a history of deception, which came to light during a food hygiene inspection by Denbighshire council. The inspection revealed shocking findings, leading to the pub receiving a zero-star food hygiene rating. Issues such as uncovered food, improper storage, and unclean facilities were highlighted in the inspection report. The discovery of rancid food and poor hygiene practices raised major concerns.
Following the inspection, the Brabans parted ways with David James and posted on Facebook about the findings. David James defended himself, claiming he had made improvements based on the inspection feedback. He also shifted some blame onto the pub owners, stating that their post had unfairly targeted him due to his past. Despite the ongoing controversy, the pub insisted they were making significant improvements.
The inspection report detailed various breaches of food safety regulations, including mishandling of food, lack of labelling, and unhygienic practices. It was revealed that food cooked by the previous chef had been stored improperly, posing a risk of contamination. The inspector noted multiple hygiene violations and lack of awareness among the staff, indicating a lack of proper management controls.
David James shared his side of the story, denying responsibility for the zero-star rating and citing mismanagement during his absence from work. Screenshots of his communication with the pub owners highlighted concerns about staffing and workload. The pub refuted some of his claims and maintained their focus on addressing the hygiene issues for a re-inspection.
Despite the upheaval caused by the inspection and revelations about David James’ past, the pub remains determined to rectify the situation. With a zero-star food hygiene rating still in place, the establishment is striving to implement necessary changes and regain trust. The saga serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to food safety standards in the hospitality industry.
As the pub continues its efforts to turn the situation around, the incident underscores the critical role of food hygiene in maintaining customer satisfaction and reputation. The unfolding events have shed light on the challenges faced by businesses in upholding high standards amidst unforeseen circumstances and personnel issues. Ultimately, the saga serves as a reminder of the continuous vigilance required to uphold food safety and integrity in the culinary world.